DAVIS HISTORY
Why the Richards underpass was called the Davis Subway
The Richards Boulevard underpass was built in 1917 and was historically known as the Davis Subway; it carried an early state highway beneath the railroad.
The “Davis Subway” was not a train subway. It was the name used for the 1917 roadway underpass that carries Richards Boulevard beneath the railroad. The structure formed part of early State Route 6 and later an alternate route of the coast-to-coast Lincoln Highway. The narrow underpass has been a Davis transportation bottleneck for generations.
1917The underpass is built beneath the railroad.
Lincoln Highway eraThe route becomes part of a major transcontinental highway connection.
Later decadesThe structure becomes better known as the Richards Boulevard Underpass.
Period1917–present
EvidenceDocumented
LocationRichards Boulevard & 1st Street
Last checked2026-08-18
SourceCity of Davis — Historic Pedestrian and Bike Tour